When we were young, the weekly time table was inclusive of one or two periods per week of Moral Education/ Religious Instruction classes. Looking back, I realise these classes could have been made more interesting, more relevant.

Using technology is second nature to children today and being innovative in their outlook ,every piece of work they attempt today is so engaging and exciting. That was not so even by late twentieth century. The teacher's job in some ways , therefore , was always more challenging. The teacher had constantly to be pro-active and think of new methodologies to hold on to the children's attention.

Certain ideas, methods and values are inviolable at all times.I am talking of a time in Lawrence School, Lovedale where I happened to teach for over a decade. Near the main entrance to the imposing building which housed the Principal's Office, classrooms for seniors, dormitories, a dining hall and some staff quarters, there was this archway on one side of which the then Sculpture Master had chiselled out on a huge stone, the iconic figure of Gandhiji, walking stick in hand taking strident steps. It was in black stone and was an appropriate piece for a building of such grandeur , resonating with events in history that brought freedom to India. The statue was mounted flush with the wall and one couldn't but admire the simplicity and grace of the composition.

One of the Class 9 students with help from one or two others had a brainwave on a Sunday morning . Surrounded by a bunch of admiring classmates , he was hoisted up so that he could reach Gandhiji's visage , when he did the unthinkable! Stuck a cigarette between his pursed lips! There was a huge round of applause from the admirers . My staff quarters was on the topmost floor and curious to know what shattered the peace and quiet with so much guffawing and whistling , when I looked out of my kitchen glass window, I couldn't believe my eyes. I bolted down the stairs and caught the boys red-handed! The children froze. They had to be made aware that what they did was not acceptable. I had to think fast....

'Do you think you are proud of your behaviour?' I asked. I didn't expect an answer, nor was there one.I told them to remove the cigarette, put it in the garden bin and then meet me the first thing in the morning on Monday. That gave me some time for me to regain my composure.

When they arrived at the appointed time, I gave them a list of tasks they had to do on different aspects of Gandhiji's life and times. The list also had a list of recommended books available in our library to be used for their research. A word-limit and a time limit was set and they had to hand it in before the end of the week.

Additionally, I wanted them to wash the statue with water every morning for a month, before breakfast , and place some flowers at his feet. I had instructed the gardner to give them a few choice flowers

I believe the children understood their responsibility and many years later when I chanced to run into one of the authors of this misdemeanour, he expressed his gratitude for having put him and his friends on the right track at the right time. ' I believe it's made me a better person, thank you, ma'm,' he said.

Outcome:

• 1) It requires a firm response to an incident , sacrilegious in nature , without the teacher taking a high moral ground.
• 2) Positive steps taken in rectifying sub-standard behaviour has better outcomes.
• 3) A cooling-off period helps the teacher in taking the right decision.